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If Jon Snow (Kit Harington) had never ridden north to the Wall, Game of Thrones might’ve played out differently. Instead of frostbitten nights on patrol, wildling skirmishes, or dealing with undead armies, Jon had options and solid ones. And no, we’re not talking about awkward dinners with Catelyn.
The illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark from Winterfell had more than just a sword and a direwolf. Despite the cold shoulder from Lady Stark, Ned and Robb both respected him. And when Ned left for King’s Landing as Hand of the King, Jon’s life could’ve shifted toward something greater, without ever donning black.
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Over the years, several fans have shared their theories on the moment in a Reddit Thread titled, “(Spoilers extended) If Jon Snow didn’t join the Night’s Watch, what choices are left for him?”
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One Reddit fan laid it out perfectly: “Marriage to a highborn lady who didn’t have any male heirs… Lordship over new lands like Moat Cailin… Master of Arms at Winterfell… squired for loyal bannermen like the Umbers… or just stared Catelyn down and roamed the North.”
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But the real kicker was that Jon wanted greatness. A place where his status didn’t chain him down. That narrowed the field to the Wall, the Citadel, or the Faith. The Faith was out — too many new gods. The Citadel? Now that would’ve been interesting. Imagine Jon Snow becoming a Grand Maester instead of a sword-swinging warrior. But back then, 14-year-old Jon Snow craved honor through battle, not books.
Even if he struck out on his own, Ned wouldn’t have left him hanging. He might not have made Jon a lord outright, but there were roles to fill. A fostered ward here, a traveling knight there. Eventually, Robb becoming King in the North could’ve paved Jon’s road to legitimacy. He might’ve become Jon Stark after all.
Another fan stacked up Jon Snow’s to-do list if he’d stayed south: “Advisor to Robb. Member of the Kingsguard. A minor lord with his own keep. A Tourney Knight. A Maester. Or serving in a Northern household.”
In all those threads, one truth echoed: Jon Snow would’ve been their power piece if there was a war, and the Starks won. The man you send to marry into rival houses, or command key posts. Like Orys Baratheon marrying Argella Durandon—except with fewer dragons and more direwolves.
Had he stayed, he might’ve earned land, titles, even respect — without having to die (twice). He could’ve raised a banner of his own. Maybe not Stark, but not Snow either. Something in between. A name that carried weight because of deeds, not birthright. So yeah, the Wall gave him glory. But the North? The North could’ve given him a legacy.
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